Coughlin on Bipartisan Budget

Via email:

(COLUMBUS, OH) - The question is rolling around the corridors of the Ohio Statehouse: Why the sudden overwhelming bipartisan spirit over the passage of the state budget? The State of Ohio budget for FY2008-2009 has cleared the legislature with more votes than any budget bill in decades. Senator Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls) offered this perspective:

"Our friends in the minority party are eager to claim that Ted Strickland is the difference in this budget. No doubt, the governor has had a measurable impact on the process. But that impact has been felt more within the minority caucuses than those of the majority party.

The Republican majorities of the last decade have consistently been committed to making government work for the people of Ohio. No matter who has been governor, including this year, we have rolled up our sleeves and worked to improve the budget bill. That is what a governing party does. Sadly, that has been a lonely task in recent years.

Indeed, the biggest difference this year is that Statehouse Democrats transformed themselves from the perennial party of protest, to a party willing to work with us to put forward a budget.

For most Statehouse Democrats, this budget marks the first time they have voted to fund public schools, including those in their own districts. That is different from previous budgets.

For most Statehouse Democrats, this budget marks the first time they have voted to spend a dime on higher education. That is different.

For most Statehouse Democrats, this budget marks the first time they have voted to provide health care to the poor. That is different.

For most Statehouse Democrats, this budget provided an opportunity for a do-over on the historic tax reform enacted in 2005. That is different.

For most Statehouse Democrats, this budget marks the first time they voted to invest in research and technology, the development of job-ready sites, and other economic development tools. That is different.

You get the idea.

Making a positive contribution to the governance of our state may be new to some. But, it has been the method of operation for the majority party. Statehouse Republicans are committed to improving the condition of our fellow citizens, and in building a hopeful future for our state. No matter who is governor, that will not change.

Whether Governor Strickland can be credited for bringing Statehouse Democrats to the table or not, we welcome there conversion and hope that it continues throughout the balance of this session.